Big Kudos to Nicole Richie and Joel Madden! You might remember that Nicole donated her baby shower gifts to needy mothers.

Yesterday, she and her hubby took their philanthropy to the next level, launching the Richie-Madden Children's Foundation in honor of the couple's baby, due in January. One hundred needy moms and moms-to-be at the LA Free Clinic were presented with $200,000 worth of goods by Richie and Madden and the couple were amazed and delighted with the response they got. Well if you were in financial straits and Santa Claus came early, you'd be over the moon, too!

Part of the Foundation's mission is to bring "meaningful opportunities to children in all corners of the globe, while also striving to bring light and laughter into their lives through unique entertainment and special events." It also hopes to build awareness of issues such as "health care, nutrition and education as they impact disadvantaged children and families in the U.S. and worldwide." (richiemaddenfoundation.com)

"We want our child to be a part of the community, and to know that there’s a responsibility to help the community,” Madden told People magazine. 

Awesome! They totally rock! Maybe the decision to launch the foundation also had to do with the fact that Madden went through his share of financial hardship. His father left the family when Madden was 16 and he took on several odd jobs to help out the family.

Richie, meanwhile, says she wants their child to "grow up with the value of sharing and to inspire generosity in others. We hope our access to the media will help us change focus from the trivialities of our lives to more meaningful issues.”  Snarky! 

100 “Mom-to-Be” kits were presented. The kits included products such as cribs, monitors, strollers, blankets, bottles, high chairs, tubs, diapers, diaper bags, creams, bouncers, baby carriers/slings, car seats, apparel, books, organic cleaning products and more.

Among the sponsors were Baby Bjorn, Fisher-Price, Graco, Kee-Ka and Simmons. All these brands and lots more available at babyage.com! Now how about you playing Santa to the needy?